Security has been beefed up in all KCPE centres along the volatile Pokot, Markwet border where cattle rustling is rampant. Speaking to press in Kapenguria, West Pokot County Commissioner Apollo Okello said the exams began at the right time stipulated by Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) without any hitch.

Okello said that security had been beefed up in all examination centres along the border that is prone to cattle rustling. He said police are conducting a 24 hours patrol along the border to ensure that the exam centres are not attacked during exam period.

“We have also set up two patrol camps at Kapushen and Kamelei in Pokot South to help students along the border sit for the exam in a calm environment,” he said.

He also said that they have added more police officers in camps along the volatile border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet.

The Commissioner said they have cooperated with education stakeholders to ensure that the exam goes on without any problems. “In centres with a large population and which are along the border we have between four to six police officers stationed at the schools,” he said.

Over 13, 393 pupils from the County are sitting for the exam in different centres, where 6,202 are girls and 7,177 are boys. The exam is expected to reduce the level of illiteracy levels in the county that is currently standing at 67%.

Apollo also disclosed that as security team they decided to use dialogue to help unite the conflicting communities in the region.